Monday, 31 December 2012

When a mysterious man proposes to Suzu and she accepts her life changes forever. As Suzu settles into her daily life in her new home tragedy strikes. A cautionary tale about war is about too unfold.

Serialized in the seinen(men's) comic anthology Manga Action, To All the Corners of the World is at times heartwarming at others tragic. Kouno develops her characters very well feeling not only sympathetic but also real as well.

A great deal of effort went into establishing the era and setting. The artwork is incredibly lush with detail. In conclusion To All the Corners of the World is an incredible work from beginning to end. Highly recommended!

Saturday, 15 December 2012

Twilight: The Graphic Novel vol. 1 & 2 Story by Stephenie Meyer, Art & Adaptation by Young Kim
When she moves to the town of forks, Bella quickly encounters Edward. As time passes, both she and Edward fall in love. However as she comes to know him she discovers he has many secrets. What awaits Bella as she falls in love with Edward?
Based on a popular novel by the same name: Twilight: the Graphic Novel suffers from many several flaws. To its credit, the books are printed on a very high quality paper and feature gorgeous artwork. However the backgrounds often appear as if they were simply a photograph and the dialogue balloons are frequently transparent becoming frustratingly difficult to read.
The character designs for both lead characters are done with incredible detail it’s clear much effort went into this comic’s art in that respect. The plot seems almost non-existent I the first volume and in the second book the story is thin at best. The romance suffers from a seriously misogynistic perspective on love and thus fails as a good romance as well. The supporting cast receives little development as well. In conclusion Twilight: the Graphic Novel fails as both a romance comic and even moreso as a story.
Rating: 5.5/10
Twilight: The Graphic Novel is available in North America in print from Yen Press.

Friday, 14 December 2012

Limit vol. 1 story and art by Keiko Suenobu
Mizuki lived a rather ordinary life until what should have been an ordinary school trip goes horribly awry. When the bus crashes and Mizuki is among the only five survivors a fight for survival begins. How will Mizuki and the other survivors survive until help arrives.
Serialized in the shojo (girl’s) comic anthology Bessatsu Friend, Limit grabs hold of the reader from the first page. The story is gripping each step of the way. While the central plot is a survival thriller the title also deals with the theme of bullying in both a sensitive and realistic way. The entire cast is sympathetic on several levels.
Suenobu has created a scenario which is portrayed realistically; the chcracters behave in a very real manner which adds to the sense of realism. Yet at the same time the plot never loses grip of the reader. The first volume also boasts gorgeous, detailed art. All in all reading Limit is incredible experience deserving nothing short of the highest praise.
Rating 9/10
Limit is available in North America in print from Vertical.